Last week, the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees convened to discuss branch updates and other business.
What happened?
The board celebrated the first anniversary of the Fort Ben Library branch. The eastside branch has served over 118,000 visitors since opening last August.
Stephen McKenzie, Fort Ben branch circulation supervisor, encouraged the board and attendees to review the guest book where neighbors shared their notes of appreciation for the branch.
McKenzie also shared that the Fort Ben library is the first Certified Autism Center in Indiana. The branch received accreditation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
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“We have worked with the Lawrence Advisory Council on Disabilities. They helped us to receive our accreditation as a Certified Autism Center,” he said. “This means that we offer some services that are not generally available at other branches.”
McKenzie said sensory signs are featured at branch entrances, a comfort room for those feeling overwhelmed and sensory kits.
According to the IndyPL website, the center offers autism training and certification to professional staff and volunteers around the globe, teaching those who work with the public how better to assist individuals with autism or sensory-sensitivity. To qualify as a Certified Autism Center, the organization must ensure that at least 80% of it’s public-facing staff completes autism-specific training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
Takeaway
McKenzie said neighbors travel from across town to visit the Fort Ben branch because they feel welcomed and staff are trained to handle certain situations.
“Given our success, the library is going to sort of extend this to five other branches so people won’t have to travel as far to get this sort of access.”
What’s next?
The next Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees meeting is 6:30m p.m., September 23 at 2822 East Washington Street.
This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Bréone Dupree and Kay Hawthorne, who covered the August Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees meeting. Read more about what happened.
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